Discover Ferring

When planning a stay in Ferring, the coast, natural areas and local history offer different points of interest. Ferring Beach lies on the southern boundary of the parish; to the north, around Highdown Hill, the landscape is entirely rural and forms part of the South Downs National Park. If you’re looking for hotels for a trip to Ferring, you can consider which of these themes matter most to you during your stay.

Shingle beach and natural areas

Ferring Beach is a shingle beach. It has a café, parking and beach huts available to rent; visitor facilities may change, so it’s advisable to check before you travel. The beach is also home to plants that grow in vegetated shingle. Horse riding takes place there at low tide, subject to local regulations. As rules for beach access may change, check the current local regulations before planning a ride.

Ferring Rife is a publicly accessible open space, with well-signposted footpaths leading to it from all directions. The area provides a habitat for water voles, little egrets, kingfishers and snipe, as well as wildflowers, including rare orchids. Wildlife sightings vary seasonally. Ferring Rife is designated a Site of Nature Conservation Interest. At the wider regional level, it is also a flagship project of the Goring and Ferring Nature Corridor.

The landscape varies across the parish: Ferring Beach marks the southern boundary, while the northern area around Highdown Hill is rural and lies within the national park. The Rife offers a different focus, with open space, footpaths and seasonal variations in wildlife sightings. These differences can help you decide which themes to prioritise during your stay.

Historic sites in Ferring

Highdown Hill Camp is a Scheduled Monument in the parish of Ferring and within the South Downs National Park. The site includes a Bronze Age enclosure, an Anglo-Saxon cemetery and a medieval post mill. This named historic site brings together evidence from three different periods.

St Andrew’s also combines several historic features: the parish church is a historic church in the heart of Ferring and welcomes visitors walking through the churchyard. Parts of its fabric date from the 13th century; it also has Perpendicular Gothic windows. Another trace of the area’s history is the Second World War Type 26 pillbox on what is now Patterson’s Walk. It is one of only two surviving structures between Selsey Bill and Shoreham.

Activities and practical planning

Ferring Country Centre offers riding lessons for all levels, including for people with learning disabilities. Younger children can enjoy an indoor play area designed around a farm theme. Visitors can also meet friendly animals and explore a nature trail. Availability of these activities may change, so check what is currently available before your visit.

The Ferring War Memorial is the bus stop for the Country Centre: Stagecoach South’s route 11 stops there, about 500 metres from the centre. Bus routes may change, so check the current route and timetable before travelling. This lets you plan around the activities and places described separately, without combining the coast, nature trails and historic sights into a single outing.

Discover more destinations: Southwick, Lower Beeding, Boxgrove, Merston, Rusper, Worthing, Hunston, Plaistow.

For the wider travel guide: West Sussex.